Oba Abimbola Owoade has officially been crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, succeeding the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.
Recalls that Oba Lamidi Adeyemi passed away on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83
The coronation ceremony took place on Saturday at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo, with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde leading an array of dignitaries, including top traditional rulers and prominent Nigerians.
Notable figures in attendance included the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams.
Ahead of the event, the Oyo State Government ramped up security across the ancient city and surrounding areas, deploying operatives to strategic locations to ensure safety.
Oba Owoade had earlier received his staff and instrument of office on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan. He completed the traditional 21-day Oro Ipebi rites on Saturday, March 29, before ascending the throne.